Madayil Chamundi

മടയിൽ ചാമുണ്ഡി

The Chamundi who followed the demons into the underworld.

Category: Goddess
Also known as: Kalabhairavi, Patalamurti, Rakta Chamundi
Linked with: Kali and the slaying of Chanda, Munda and Raktabija
Name means: Chamundi of the underworld

Who is Madayil Chamundi?

Madayil Chamundi is one of the three well-known forms of Chamundi, with Rakta Chamundi and Kundora Chamundi. She is identified with Kali, who followed the demons she was fighting into the underworld.

The story

In the story, Kali pursued the demons into the underworld to carry on the fight, and for this the form is called Patalamurti and Madayil Chamundi. A popular account also says Kalabhairavi is another name for Madayil Chamundi, and adds that after she appeared on earth and disturbed its peace, she was given refuge in a family home and a shrine, and a Theyyam is held to win her blessings.

Close view of the Madayil Chamundi Theyyam face and headdress — Photo: Vaikoovery, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Madayil Chamundi Theyyam during a ritual in North Malabar, Kerala — Photo: Vaikoovery, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hero photo: Vaikoovery, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What you will see

Madayil Chamundi wears a very large, round, halo-like headdress edged with palm leaf and red cloth, with a face painted orange and black and rich ornaments.

In the tradition

She is among the fierce warrior goddesses worshipped in family and village shrines.

A note for visitors

Fierce goddesses are honoured with some distance. Let your guide place you. Photography and video are not allowed at some rituals, so ask your guide first.

Quick answers

Who is Madayil Chamundi in Theyyam?

Madayil Chamundi is one of the three well-known forms of Chamundi, with Rakta Chamundi and Kundora Chamundi. She is identified with Kali, who followed the demons she was fighting into the underworld.

What does Madayil Chamundi Theyyam look like?

Madayil Chamundi wears a very large, round, halo-like headdress edged with palm leaf and red cloth, with a face painted orange and black and rich ornaments.

Learn about the Theyyams with a local guide

Our guided trips explain each deity’s story as you see it, and are planned with you on enquiry. We never publish ritual dates or venues, and confirm the right nights with you closer to travel.

Enquire about a trip

Sources and further reading: Theyyam (Wikipedia), Hindu Blog: Kalabhairavi Theyyam. Stories vary by shrine, family and teller; this is a general summary, not a definitive version.